Cultivating the Entrepreneurship of Arts Professionals for the New Job Market of Creative Industry

Abstract

This paper aims to apply the research and theorization on arts entrepreneurship that has been discussed so far to entrepreneurs active in the arts and cultural sector. Our goal is to develop proposals for practical actions that can support both arts entrepreneurs and advocates who support the arts. Using Participatory Action Research (PAR) methodology, we hosted and facilitated a series of workshops with selected arts entrepreneurs. In these workshops we conducted surveys, interviews, and made observations in order to understand the knowledge, experiences, motivations, capabilities, and attitudes necessary to successful arts entrepreneurship. We found that most of the participating arts entrepreneurs had a low understanding of the technology required for effective arts entrepreneurship, which has resulted in insufficient managerial support for artistic innovation. In addition, we found that participants lacked the skills and clear vision to construct a viable economic engine for their organization. Nevertheless, in light of the considerable strengths and high levels of enthusiasm and commitment participants evinced, we believe that their deficits can be corrected with education and training. Thus, we conclude by discussing the path forward and outlining a proposal to develop an innovative educational program on the daily operations of arts management that emphasizes applied technology and creating financial sustainability.